I know this issue has been discussed of Andre Walker’s interview with Elle magazine in which he stated “I always recommend embracing your natural texture. Kinky hair can have limited styling options; that’s the only hair type I suggest altering with professional relaxing.” Now as a woman proud of all her kinks and curls I have to admit this did pluck a nerve but wanted to hear your views concerning his rebuttal on his site which reads as follows…

“15 years ago, I wrote a book called “Andre Talks Hair.” In the book, I define four basic types of hair, based on texture, in order to help women determine their own type and thus know how best to care for their particular type. Though all hair is basically the same, and benefits from many of the same nutrients and products, there are significant differences in hair texture.

Recently, in an interview with Elle Magazine, I repeated my professional opinion about caring for Type 4 hair, often referred to as kinky hair. Here’s what I said in Elle:

“I always recommend embracing your natural texture. Kinky hair can have limited styling options; that’s the only hair type that I suggest altering with professional relaxing”.

That statement is a very short version of what I also said in my book all those years ago, but almost immediately after the Elle article, the internet was abuzz with people questioning why I would recommend chemically relaxing a particular hair type some even said my advice suggests that kinky hair is “bad” hair.

Let me first say that there is no such thing as “bad” hair, and I have long ago freed myself from being afraid to use the word “kinky” and also from being accused of not liking natural hair. We have become a multi-cultural society that embraces many different looks and styles when it comes to hair. It is my Mission to help you grow strong, healthy hair, and wear it in the style or styles that best suit your likes and particular hair type.

When it comes to curly and kinky hair (there is a difference), I leave the political correctness of “going straight” or staying natural to a woman’s personal preference. Once again, my advice is based on how to best achieve strong, healthy hair. So for those who would like to engage me in a debate about who has more racial pride and self esteem, based on hairstyle preference and use or non-use of chemical relaxers, know that I believe in personal freedom, and in the use of advanced technology when it yields positive results, which many of today’s (versus yesterday’s) chemical relaxers do deliver.

It is a fact that kinky hair (my Type 4 definition) is extremely fragile and breaks easily. Even when you are very careful, something as simple as combing can break this texture. It is very difficult to achieve a longer length when the hair breaks, even with simple combing. That being said, there is the style option of wearing braids, dreads, or twists, which allows the hair to grow longer because it is combed less often. Another style choice is to simply wear a shorter cut, which is very attractive on some women but just not right for others.

So when I say to embrace your natural texture, but consider relaxing kinky hair, am I contradicting myself? I don’t think so! You see, even relaxed hair can still be worn naturally. If you want a natural look, but find that your kinky hair is difficult to manage, breaks too easily, lacks shine and luster, and limits your preferred styling options, I say feel free to consider a mild chemical relaxer, sometimes called a texturizer, that eases your hair to a more manageable texture and allows you to Make Peace With Your Hair.

We’ve come a long way in the ability of chemical relaxers to gently relax the hair. In fact, I notice that my book is somewhat dated in that respect. When I wrote it, I was not a fan of no-lye relaxers. But now they are much improved, and I use them when I know it will help a client to maintain either a “natural” or a straight look — whichever she prefers — with more ease.

He basically said the same thing in a longer paragraph. Texturizers completely break way from the natural texture of a person who has the hair type he described. Yes, permed/relaxed/texturized and natural are style preferences but for so many years the hair texture of the African or Black American has been shunned and lloked down upon as unmanageable, damaged, and unfavorable. So what’s the solution? Slap some perm on it and make it more suitable for another group of people who look down on you. How ridiculous and conformist.

Cipriana

To be honest I agree Ruth, I thought his rebuttal as well was just a longer version of his Elle interview statement

http://www.beautyBaked.tumblr.com India

That was ignorant, inappropriate and rude!!

Cipriana

Sadly it was. Wanted it so not to be true.

Ruth Udoh

He basically said the same thing in a longer paragraph. Texturizers completely break way from the natural texture of a person who has the hair type he described. Yes, permed/relaxed/texturized and natural are style preferences but for so many years the hair texture of the African or Black American has been shunned and lloked down upon as unmanageable, damaged, and unfavorable. So what’s the solution? Slap some perm on it and make it more suitable for another group of people who look down on you. How ridiculous and conformist.

Cipriana

To be honest I agree Ruth, I thought his rebuttal as well was just a longer version of his Elle interview statement

http://www.beautyBaked.tumblr.com India

That was ignorant, inappropriate and rude!!

Cipriana

Sadly it was. Wanted it so not to be true.

Yasmine

tell him to go and play with his curling irons…

Cipriana

Lol and some informative books about the “real” breakdown of natural hair.

Yasmine

tell him to go and play with his curling irons…

Cipriana

Lol and some informative books about the “real” breakdown of natural hair.

Ellen

Know that his a*s is burned he re states his statement. Just another coon who only likes the straight Eurocentric look.

Ugh!

Ellen

Know that his a*s is burned he re states his statement. Just another coon who only likes the straight Eurocentric look.

Ugh!

Rawlawgirl

Well, I think it is just ignorance.

Cipriana

Yes ignorance definitely qualifies for his statements

Rawlawgirl

Well, I think it is just ignorance.

Cipriana

Yes ignorance definitely qualifies for his statements

Anonymous

…. really? really ? tht was his rebuttal he says he wants ppl to embrace their hair bY getting a texturizer? its like a perm its chemicals… like wht is he tlking bout he sounds foolish … if he wanted a rebuttal it would have been only 3 simple words “EMBRACE YOUR CURLS”!!!!

Cipriana

Yes! He really should have kept his rebuttal shorter than his original statement and that would have been a good start and finish “Embrace Your Curls”!

Fancykiel

Well he did make it clear that there was a distinct difference between kinks and curls. While reading I felt like he went out of his way to do that too. So I’m sure he would agree that you should embrace your “curls”. Sadly, just not your “kinks”.

efacookie13

…. really? really ? tht was his rebuttal he says he wants ppl to embrace their hair bY getting a texturizer? its like a perm its chemicals… like wht is he tlking bout he sounds foolish … if he wanted a rebuttal it would have been only 3 simple words “EMBRACE YOUR CURLS”!!!!

Cipriana

Yes! He really should have kept his rebuttal shorter than his original statement and that would have been a good start and finish “Embrace Your Curls”!

Fancykiel

Well he did make it clear that there was a distinct difference between kinks and curls. While reading I felt like he went out of his way to do that too. So I’m sure he would agree that you should embrace your “curls”. Sadly, just not your “kinks”.

http://twitter.com/PurpleDurple93 Nia Momon

Some points were valid (putting your hair protective styles like braids could help it grow). We all know natural hair is fragile, but chemicals are a no go. I straighten my hair about once a month with a flat iron. If i don’t get my hair wet the style lasts a while and its easier to braid, comb, and oil daily. However chemical straightening is chemical straigtening and in my opinion can’t possibly be natural.

Cipriana

Yes he did have a few valid points especially about protective styling but unfortunately his validation went out the window as he continued to speak unfortunately I agree with you, a chemical straightener by no means is natural.

http://twitter.com/PurpleDurple93 Nia Momon

Some points were valid (putting your hair protective styles like braids could help it grow). We all know natural hair is fragile, but chemicals are a no go. I straighten my hair about once a month with a flat iron. If i don’t get my hair wet the style lasts a while and its easier to braid, comb, and oil daily. However chemical straightening is chemical straigtening and in my opinion can’t possibly be natural.

Cipriana

Yes he did have a few valid points especially about protective styling but unfortunately his validation went out the window as he continued to speak unfortunately I agree with you, a chemical straightener by no means is natural.

Nikishariley

Wow, wow, wow…this is so sad that this man actually let all of that come out of his mouth and he believes it. This is why more natural stylists and books need to continue to grow and flourish to combat the likes of this guy. Also why aren’t any of these people doing their research on how bad these chemicals are for your health!? I say “go sit down Andre!”.

Cipriana

Amen! “Go sit down”. I have no clue as to why he even made a rebuttal because it was worse than his original statement in the Elle interview. Especially as a well known hairstylist he should have done his homework about chemicals, I feel his statement just solidified a lack of knowledge of natural hair and perpetuated the stereotype that if your hair is kinky it is
unmanageable

Nikishariley

Wow, wow, wow…this is so sad that this man actually let all of that come out of his mouth and he believes it. This is why more natural stylists and books need to continue to grow and flourish to combat the likes of this guy. Also why aren’t any of these people doing their research on how bad these chemicals are for your health!? I say “go sit down Andre!”.

Cipriana

Amen! “Go sit down”. I have no clue as to why he even made a rebuttal because it was worse than his original statement in the Elle interview. Especially as a well known hairstylist he should have done his homework about chemicals, I feel his statement just solidified a lack of knowledge of natural hair and perpetuated the stereotype that if your hair is kinky it is
unmanageable

Andre,like most hair stylists,is only concerned about styling hair and making it look good. He could care less about the health of our hair. You know why? because there is no profit in prevention. Black women spend more money on hair products and services than any other race of women. Why? because we are all trying to achive a look that our hair was just not designed to do. Why won’t Andre and black-hair stylist all over the world just cut the BS and tell us the truth! Surely people who dealwith nothing but hair 24/7 can come up with something more innovative than, “Oh ,you say you got naps huh? Just slap a relaxer on it”

Cipriana

Your right black haircare is big business in fact a multibillion dollars business and the wrong advice from a well known hairstylist can really do damage to an impressionable woman who is just beginning her natural hair journey. The misinformation has to stop but I believe many natural hair forums are really opening eyes of others on the REAL downlow of natural hair.

Zenobia2424

You are so right about hair stylist not giving a damn about haircare. A couple of years ago, I was in a salon getting my hair done for prom, when a girl about my age came in saying she wanted a relaxer and press&curl. Now, I am sitting in the waiting area thinking to myself, ‘This girl’s hair is visibly fried, dried and jacked to the GODS. WHY would a stylist add chemicals and heat on top of her already fragile hair?’ I mean, I had no formal training in hair care(and I still don’t) and even I could see how damage her hair was, so I know damn well the stylist saw it. But, it is just like you said: ‘There is no profit in prevention.’ All that stylist wanted was the $65 for that relaxer and the $25 for the p&c. Smdh. Ladies, learn how to take care of your own hair and stop throwing away money to these salons.

Andre,like most hair stylists,is only concerned about styling hair and making it look good. He could care less about the health of our hair. You know why? because there is no profit in prevention. Black women spend more money on hair products and services than any other race of women. Why? because we are all trying to achive a look that our hair was just not designed to do. Why won’t Andre and black-hair stylist all over the world just cut the BS and tell us the truth! Surely people who dealwith nothing but hair 24/7 can come up with something more innovative than, “Oh ,you say you got naps huh? Just slap a relaxer on it”

Cipriana

Your right black haircare is big business in fact a multibillion dollars business and the wrong advice from a well known hairstylist can really do damage to an impressionable woman who is just beginning her natural hair journey. The misinformation has to stop but I believe many natural hair forums are really opening eyes of others on the REAL downlow of natural hair.

Zenobia2424

You are so right about hair stylist not giving a damn about haircare. A couple of years ago, I was in a salon getting my hair done for prom, when a girl about my age came in saying she wanted a relaxer and press&curl. Now, I am sitting in the waiting area thinking to myself, ‘This girl’s hair is visibly fried, dried and jacked to the GODS. WHY would a stylist add chemicals and heat on top of her already fragile hair?’ I mean, I had no formal training in hair care(and I still don’t) and even I could see how damage her hair was, so I know damn well the stylist saw it. But, it is just like you said: ‘There is no profit in prevention.’ All that stylist wanted was the $65 for that relaxer and the $25 for the p&c. Smdh. Ladies, learn how to take care of your own hair and stop throwing away money to these salons.

Monniej01

andre is a stylist and there’s not one person i’ve talked to that has visited a salon that hasn’t heard these very same words. until the schools that train the stylists start to embrace new techniques for dealing with our hair this is the message that we’ll get in every salon in america. i’m not surprised or bothered by his comments because he isn’t the first person i’ve heard express this viewpoint. it’s also the reason i haven’t stepped foot into a salon in more than 10 years. when you know better you do better.

Cipriana

That would be a wonderful idea, a school specifically for natural hair styling and care. Unfortunately I am always touched in some way by negative comments not that I take them to heart but only because I expect better but like you said “know better, do better”

Monniej01

i should probably expect better, too, but i’m always disappointed. the students, that should know about our hair, let those that have no idea tell them the rules! hence, the same old message for the last 100years! *smh* at least he didn’t contradict himself. in some way that might have even pissed me off more! lol~

Cipriana

Yes, at least he didn’t do that, lol.

Monniej01

andre is a stylist and there’s not one person i’ve talked to that has visited a salon that hasn’t heard these very same words. until the schools that train the stylists start to embrace new techniques for dealing with our hair this is the message that we’ll get in every salon in america. i’m not surprised or bothered by his comments because he isn’t the first person i’ve heard express this viewpoint. it’s also the reason i haven’t stepped foot into a salon in more than 10 years. when you know better you do better.

Cipriana

That would be a wonderful idea, a school specifically for natural hair styling and care. Unfortunately I am always touched in some way by negative comments not that I take them to heart but only because I expect better but like you said “know better, do better”

Monniej01

i should probably expect better, too, but i’m always disappointed. the students, that should know about our hair, let those that have no idea tell them the rules! hence, the same old message for the last 100years! *smh* at least he didn’t contradict himself. in some way that might have even pissed me off more! lol~

Cipriana

Yes, at least he didn’t do that, lol.

Soulsentwined

He basically said the only way kinky hair can be healthy is with heat or chemical straightening. This goes against common sense. Straightening hair causes split ends and breakage. All one has to do to prevent breakage on natural hair is be gentle and wear protective styles if you hair is longer. Clearly there is a billion dollar industry in making kinky haired women feel bad about their hair texture.

Soulsentwined

and I’m also sick of “frizz” being a bad word and something to avoid. Even the natural hair community treats frizz and lack of shine as bad qualities. Yet frizz is our hair’s nature. Part of adjusting your mindset when you go natural is accepting that smooth edges and frizz free hair are not the be all and end all of attractive hair.

Soulsentwined

He basically said the only way kinky hair can be healthy is with heat or chemical straightening. This goes against common sense. Straightening hair causes split ends and breakage. All one has to do to prevent breakage on natural hair is be gentle and wear protective styles if you hair is longer. Clearly there is a billion dollar industry in making kinky haired women feel bad about their hair texture.

Soulsentwined

and I’m also sick of “frizz” being a bad word and something to avoid. Even the natural hair community treats frizz and lack of shine as bad qualities. Yet frizz is our hair’s nature. Part of adjusting your mindset when you go natural is accepting that smooth edges and frizz free hair are not the be all and end all of attractive hair.

@Fabfreshandfly

He makes a vaild point in saying that kinky hair is more fragile and more prone to breakage, but his solution is all wrong. Why should a person have to alter what they were born with to achieve a variety of styles. I find that I have way more options with my kinky hair then I ever had with relaxed hair. What makes me said is to think that this a a well known person who is advising people that we should put harsh, drying, damaging chemicals in our hair to achieve someone else’s standard of beauty. Shame on you Andre.

@Fabfreshandfly

He makes a vaild point in saying that kinky hair is more fragile and more prone to breakage, but his solution is all wrong. Why should a person have to alter what they were born with to achieve a variety of styles. I find that I have way more options with my kinky hair then I ever had with relaxed hair. What makes me said is to think that this a a well known person who is advising people that we should put harsh, drying, damaging chemicals in our hair to achieve someone else’s standard of beauty. Shame on you Andre.

Anonymous

Andre just say your not familiar on how to properly care for kinky hair. A wise person is one who knows they don’t know everything.

Cipriana

Wise words! How amazing would that have been if he claimed his lack of expertise in the matter and referenced someone who was better educated but I feel people who are labeled as experts in their field have a hard time admitting they are not knowledged on a topic but I guess that defies the word expert, lol. Some experts have to adopt the attitude that no one is perfect or knows everything (unless your rainman, lol) and that it takes a hell of a person to admit it!

cocobt628

Andre just say your not familiar on how to properly care for kinky hair. A wise person is one who knows they don’t know everything.

Cipriana

Wise words! How amazing would that have been if he claimed his lack of expertise in the matter and referenced someone who was better educated but I feel people who are labeled as experts in their field have a hard time admitting they are not knowledged on a topic but I guess that defies the word expert, lol. Some experts have to adopt the attitude that no one is perfect or knows everything (unless your rainman, lol) and that it takes a hell of a person to admit it!

Angela

Hmph. Andre used to be my stylist back in the day when he had a salon in Chicago, and his attitude today is much the same as is was back in the 80′s. If you showed up in his salon chair with more than a quarter inch of new growth he would say, “Honey, how are you walking around with all these naps?” True. Bleeping. Story. He says he’s “freed” himself. Well, it’s obvious his so-called emancipation came in 1979 because that was the last time he did any professional continuing education. I co-sign Nikisha, go sit down Andre. Sly and the Family Stone are calling you.

Angela

Hmph. Andre used to be my stylist back in the day when he had a salon in Chicago, and his attitude today is much the same as is was back in the 80′s. If you showed up in his salon chair with more than a quarter inch of new growth he would say, “Honey, how are you walking around with all these naps?” True. Bleeping. Story. He says he’s “freed” himself. Well, it’s obvious his so-called emancipation came in 1979 because that was the last time he did any professional continuing education. I co-sign Nikisha, go sit down Andre. Sly and the Family Stone are calling you.

Malinda Allen

It seems that he’s suggesting that wearing chemically texturized hair is ‘natural’. Mr. Walker means no real harm. HE’S JUST OUT OF STEP with the current climate of natural hair when more and more people are achieving great lengths through careful protective styling and dedicated moisturizing. Plus, achieving HEARTSTOPPINGLY BEAUTIFUL NATURAL STYLES that take advantage of the unique properties of super-kinky hair. What he should explore is the amazing styles you can only create with a full head of determined naps. That might change his tune.

Malinda Allen

It seems that he’s suggesting that wearing chemically texturized hair is ‘natural’. Mr. Walker means no real harm. HE’S JUST OUT OF STEP with the current climate of natural hair when more and more people are achieving great lengths through careful protective styling and dedicated moisturizing. Plus, achieving HEARTSTOPPINGLY BEAUTIFUL NATURAL STYLES that take advantage of the unique properties of super-kinky hair. What he should explore is the amazing styles you can only create with a full head of determined naps. That might change his tune.

Anonymous

I agree with all my friends down here in the comments section. Andre’s rebuttal only CONFIRMED for me that his comment(s) is/are way off base. It is completely illogical– not to mention incorrect– that the “best” solution for managing kinky hair textures is a perm. There are so many resources out there now, from books on natural hair care, to YouTube, to blogs like this one, that prove that achieving healthy long lengths with kinky hair textures is absolutely possible without altering the nature of the hair texture with toxic chemicals. Sometimes I read comments like his, and I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.

Growing healthy, long kinky hair simply requires patience and, more often than not, a different approach from what most are used to. For example, Andre says that, because our hair is fragile, it can break even from activities as simple as combing. Correct. But, how about, instead of perming my hair just to deal with that issue (because that’s effing CRAZY AND UNNECESSARY), I learn how to minimize or even eliminate my use of combs? Or, perhaps I could experiment with different ways of combing my hair– playing around with dry combing on oiled hair, or combing in the shower with tons of conditioner in my hair, or whatever else I may think of in between– until I find a technique where I have little to no damage? Wouldn’t that be a much more rational step before relaxing? How could getting a perm make sense to him as the first resort, and not the last resort? Honestly, his rationale is archaic and completely asinine.

Andre….just…be quiet.

http://hairitis.tumblr.com/ HairItIs

I agree with all my friends down here in the comments section. Andre’s rebuttal only CONFIRMED for me that his comment(s) is/are way off base. It is completely illogical– not to mention incorrect– that the “best” solution for managing kinky hair textures is a perm. There are so many resources out there now, from books on natural hair care, to YouTube, to blogs like this one, that prove that achieving healthy long lengths with kinky hair textures is absolutely possible without altering the nature of the hair texture with toxic chemicals. Sometimes I read comments like his, and I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.

Growing healthy, long kinky hair simply requires patience and, more often than not, a different approach from what most are used to. For example, Andre says that, because our hair is fragile, it can break even from activities as simple as combing. Correct. But, how about, instead of perming my hair just to deal with that issue (because that’s effing CRAZY AND UNNECESSARY), I learn how to minimize or even eliminate my use of combs? Or, perhaps I could experiment with different ways of combing my hair– playing around with dry combing on oiled hair, or combing in the shower with tons of conditioner in my hair, or whatever else I may think of in between– until I find a technique where I have little to no damage? Wouldn’t that be a much more rational step before relaxing? How could getting a perm make sense to him as the first resort, and not the last resort? Honestly, his rationale is archaic and completely asinine.

Andre….just…be quiet.

Dinikabryant

Cipriana this is kind of unrelated to this article but can you show how you create “tiny loose twist” I have been experiment with this every since I read about you. But I am not sure I am doing them correct please help! FYI Andre is a stylist they want to make money without doing tons of work… quick solutions and repeat business AKA creamy crack

Cipriana

Hello Well they are more on the medium size. I tend to stay away from tiny sections when twisting because my hair just tangles to easily even when the twist are loose. So all my twist are medium size. It easier for me when it is time to detangle. Yes I will definitely do a video on how I create my loose twist and thank you for sharing

Dinikabryant

Cipriana this is kind of unrelated to this article but can you show how you create “tiny loose twist” I have been experiment with this every since I read about you. But I am not sure I am doing them correct please help! FYI Andre is a stylist they want to make money without doing tons of work… quick solutions and repeat business AKA creamy crack

Cipriana

Hello Well they are more on the medium size. I tend to stay away from tiny sections when twisting because my hair just tangles to easily even when the twist are loose. So all my twist are medium size. It easier for me when it is time to detangle. Yes I will definitely do a video on how I create my loose twist and thank you for sharing

RissaKatharine

Hair dressers are there to make money, and the more women there are going to get their hair “professionally relaxed”, the more money goes into his, and other hair stylists pockets. And that’s the truth.

RissaKatharine

Hair dressers are there to make money, and the more women there are going to get their hair “professionally relaxed”, the more money goes into his, and other hair stylists pockets. And that’s the truth.

http://rockiinboxxe.blogspot.com/ KUR COL DE DAAB E NUBA

Speaking as a young black male, I think he does not realize his comments have a lot of power and for we of the african diaspora, it is not just hair. Its not. Its a spiritual connection and like another important limb on your body. It needs more care bc anything good worth having is not easy. Our hair is the most beautiful and desirable thing when styled and properly cared for. It has so much flavor and personality. It can really take a life of its own. Now most of us black men have always had natural hair bc most of us have short cuts….well…..Ive recently faded mine and plan to grow it about 5-7 inches on top in my natural curls. I have no desire to relax it to get them either.

My point is this, THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST FASCINATING AND REWARDING JOURNEY SO FAR. I am so excited each time I moisturized or get it trimmed so it can gain more length and be healthy. Its like a cool science experiment to see what works and what does not. I am a natural products conneseiour and I make my own natural products. I have passed them on to my natural female cousins and they cant stop telling me how they do not know how they lave lived without them. So andre can keep his chemicals and Im gonna keep diving into the products my ancestors used wayyyyyy before somebody’s relaxer came along.

Cold Fire

Speaking as a young black male, I think he does not realize his comments have a lot of power and for we of the african diaspora, it is not just hair. Its not. Its a spiritual connection and like another important limb on your body. It needs more care bc anything good worth having is not easy. Our hair is the most beautiful and desirable thing when styled and properly cared for. It has so much flavor and personality. It can really take a life of its own. Now most of us black men have always had natural hair bc most of us have short cuts….well…..Ive recently faded mine and plan to grow it about 5-7 inches on top in my natural curls. I have no desire to relax it to get them either.

My point is this, THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST FASCINATING AND REWARDING JOURNEY SO FAR. I am so excited each time I moisturized or get it trimmed so it can gain more length and be healthy. Its like a cool science experiment to see what works and what does not. I am a natural products conneseiour and I make my own natural products. I have passed them on to my natural female cousins and they cant stop telling me how they do not know how they lave lived without them. So andre can keep his chemicals and Im gonna keep diving into the products my ancestors used wayyyyyy before somebody’s relaxer came along.

arcamp83

Yes, I remember reading this article and immediately posting a rant video on YT, I couldn’t believe he said all that! I hoped it was editing but his rebuttal just confirms that his butt is still stuck in the past and has not learned how to deal with kinky hair, he can’t let go of the notion of combing hair with ease as a measure stick for manageability. A lot of people were like why are you letting this man’s comments bother you, he is just one person, but these are the same people walking around using his stupid hair typing system! This man has a lot of influence! I stopped referring to my hair as 4a and just say kinky-curly, same effect but more literal!

arcamp83

Yes, I remember reading this article and immediately posting a rant video on YT, I couldn’t believe he said all that! I hoped it was editing but his rebuttal just confirms that his butt is still stuck in the past and has not learned how to deal with kinky hair, he can’t let go of the notion of combing hair with ease as a measure stick for manageability. A lot of people were like why are you letting this man’s comments bother you, he is just one person, but these are the same people walking around using his stupid hair typing system! This man has a lot of influence! I stopped referring to my hair as 4a and just say kinky-curly, same effect but more literal!

J Lynn2190

So this is SUPER LATE but this is how I feel about the whole hair issue, I figured if God chose to create me and the rest of the African-American community with this hair texture, than he surely must’ve made a way for us to “manage” it. I hear a lot about people complaining about manageability but frankly I like being able to take the time and focus on an aspect of myself. My wash/style days are therapeutic for me, it’s like a treat every week! lol to focus on myself, and love on my hair and watch it flourish under my care. I understand sometimes we just don’t have the time, but I really feel there is something significant in the fact that we were all given this texture that is unique all to ourselves, and God don’t make no mistakes!! lol

Cipriana

You are right on time! This is simply beautiful!!! You ladies are right on point as usual!!!

J Lynn2190

So this is SUPER LATE but this is how I feel about the whole hair issue, I figured if God chose to create me and the rest of the African-American community with this hair texture, than he surely must’ve made a way for us to “manage” it. I hear a lot about people complaining about manageability but frankly I like being able to take the time and focus on an aspect of myself. My wash/style days are therapeutic for me, it’s like a treat every week! lol to focus on myself, and love on my hair and watch it flourish under my care. I understand sometimes we just don’t have the time, but I really feel there is something significant in the fact that we were all given this texture that is unique all to ourselves, and God don’t make no mistakes!! lol

Cipriana

You are right on time! This is simply beautiful!!! You ladies are right on point as usual!!!

SERIOUSLY?01

I don’t get it. He did not say that kinky hair is bad hair. He simply said that in his professional opinion it’s harder to manage and easier to damage and break; and as a result of that, should the person with that texture find it unmanageable or difficult to maintain, that he would recommend chemically altering the hair. He said other than that, he does not encourage chemical processing, and encourages every hair type including kinky to embrace and make peace with their hair. How is what he said so damaging or bad? What did he do so wrong. He is not encouraging a client to become more European looking in order to be attractive, acceptable or beautiful. In fact, he never detoured from the subject of health.
He simply gave his opinion about what do with kinky hair. He also states that by altering the kinky hair it does not mean one has to do a full relaxer or any chemical process. He leaves it up to the client to decide whether they should cut, color, shape, process, or leave be the hair. We take things too personally. Be objective and just listen for a minute before jumping the gun people. Saying processing the hair does not mean it’s bad, if the objective is to have the hair be healthier, or achieve length, or achieve the ability to manage the hair. It was simply his professional solution for those persons with that hair type should they be trying to achieve one of the following: Length, Manageability, or Different style options. This type of hair does break easily and is fragile, and I have a circle full of women who have cut it short and died it, worn it in a mini fro, cut it into a fade, twisted it, locked it, or chemically altered it to loosen coils, or straighten them. And it’s okay for each one of them that chose to do this, because each one was trying to achieve a different outcome, and it was always either Styles, Manageability, Length, or Health.

Ya’ll need to stop! We can’t say we’re natural, and then use “Protective Styling” as a cover with MALAYSIAN hair in our heads, color in our heads, all while pumping our fists hollering NATURAL! Cut it out, Ladies.